Depression
What is Depression?
Depression and sadness or grief have many similarities, but are very different states. Feelings of sadness and grief, for example, tend to fluctuate. You may experience moments of pleasure or interest and you maintain your sense of self worth.
Depression, however, is a medical illness. It impacts your feeling of self-worth. It results in feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, poor motivation and sustained difficulty functioning at work and at home.
How do I Know if I Need Help for my Low Mood?
When your low mood gets in the way of you living your life to the fullest, it may be time to consider reaching out for help.
Will my Depression Ever go Away?
Depression is tough, but there are some great therapy options to help you feel more like yourself and find joy in your daily life.
Check out our therapist bios for treatments for depression, book a session, or reach out if you have any questions. We’re here to help!
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Symptoms and signs of depression include:
- Sadness
- Low mood
- Loss of interest
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss or gain
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty thinking
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Thoughts of death
- Thoughts of suicide
Exploring the Common Causes of Depression
Depression is a complex condition with various potential causes. While the exact reasons behind depression remain unknown, several common factors have been identified that may contribute to its development. These causes include:
- Hormone shifts
- Brain chemical imbalances
- Hereditary predisposition
- Traumatic life events
- Chronic stress
- Social isolation
- Medical conditions
- Substance abuse
- History of mental illness
Types of Depression
It’s normal to feel low occasionally, but if your sadness persists throughout day-to-day activities, you may be suffering from clinical depression. Depression comes in a wide variety of forms. Sometimes it is brought on by events in your life, while other times, it can be caused by chemical changes in your brain.
Reach out to depression treatment centers to help determine the kind of depression you have and choose the best treatment for you with the help of a professional therapist.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder is a common type of depression characterized by continuous feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. If these symptoms persist for two weeks or more, you might be suffering from major depression. This can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to carry out routine tasks or enjoy positive experiences.
Seeking professional help from depression treatment clinics can result in effective strategies and support for managing this condition.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is a depression type that lasts for two years or longer. Formerly called “dysthymia” (low-grade persistent depression) and “chronic severe depression,” these are both now defined as one singular disorder.
You might experience symptoms like:
- Changes in eating habits (not eating enough or overeating)
- Excessive or insufficient sleep, lack of energy, or weariness
- A low sense of self
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression affects women after they give birth. Women who have postpartum depression may experience intense sadness, exhaustion, and a sense of detachment from the baby. To address this condition and ensure the mother’s and child’s well-being, prompt action is essential.
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar Depression is a state of depression that occurs within the context of bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar disorder, which was formerly referred to as “manic depression,” experiences mood swings that vary from intense bursts of “up” energy to depressing lows.
In the low phase, significant depressive disorder symptoms will be present.
Mood fluctuations might be mitigated with medication and therapy included in the depression treatment.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that typically occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in winter when daylight is limited. Individuals with SAD experience symptoms such as low mood, lack of energy, and increased sleepiness.
Treatment options for SAD include light therapy, medication, and therapy. You might also find online therapy for depression helpful to manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic Depression is a severe form of depression where individuals experience symptoms of depression along with psychotic features, such as:
- Hallucinations– Seeing or hearing nonexistent things or people.
- Delusions– False ideas.
- Paranoia– Wrongly believing that other people are trying to harm you.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing this condition.
Therapy for Depression
PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING
Depression can be a debilitating condition, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Renew, our compassionate clinicians provide depression counselling to help you move forward on the path to your recovery. We utilize a diverse set of therapeutic tools, including distress tolerance techniques, cognitive behavioural strategies, behaviour activation methods, stress and anxiety management techniques, emotion regulation training, acceptance and commitment therapy, yoga therapy, emotion-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioural strategies, graded exposure therapies, and boundary-setting exercises. We at Renew Neurotherapy are here to support you in regaining control of your life.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND BRAIN HEALTH SUPPORT
At Renew, we recognize the significant benefits of everyday practices that are both simple and effective in reducing depression. These include regular exercise, eating healthfully, maintaining a positive work-life balance, valuing time spent with loved ones, embracing relaxation, limiting screen time, prioritizing restful sleep, and more.
Embark on a transformative journey towards depression relief by exploring our therapy services at Renew, where we combine evidence-based strategies with compassionate care to empower you on your path to improved mental well-being.
ATTENTION, MEMORY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SUPPORT
It has been demonstrated that persistent depression has a negative impact on brain activity. Clients talk about having trouble focusing and remembering things. People frequently lament their inability to organize their thoughts and feel paralyzed by the idea of ever-growing to-do lists.
The therapists at Renew have training and expertise in offering assistance and cognitive rehabilitation. They can help you create plans that can both ease your symptoms temporarily and hasten your long-term recovery.
RETURN TO WORK/SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We recognize the profound impact depression can have on your daily functioning. At Renew, our compassionate therapists are dedicated to helping you overcome these barriers. We create a customized plan for success, including a return to work or school program. Discover how our therapy services at Renew can assist you on your journey toward recovery.
NEUROFEEDBACK
A helpful method for addressing the underlying brain function patterns linked to depression is neurofeedback therapy. Our therapists acquire important insights into the distinctive brain activity patterns that may be causing your symptoms through a thorough brain map assessment.
With this information, we can create focused brain training programs that will encourage the restructuring of your brain activity, increasing your brain’s overall flexibility and efficiency. Depression symptoms can be controlled more successfully as your brain grows more capable of self-regulation.
NEUROMEDITATION
Neuromeditation is a specialized form of meditation that takes into consideration your brain activity and natural capabilities. Our therapists perform a comprehensive assessment of your skills before starting meditation training, allowing us to identify meditation styles that are best suited to your personality and lifestyle.
Incorporating neuromeditation techniques often makes the process of learning to meditate more accessible and less daunting for new clients. Experience the benefits of neuromeditation in managing anxiety as you discover personalized meditation practices that align with your unique needs at Renew.
How Can Renew Neurotherapy’s Depression Therapy Services Help You?
Depression can be a serious challenge to day-to-day life activities. However, you don’t have to struggle with it alone. Our compassionate therapists in Ottawa, Pembroke and North Bay use evidence-based treatments that are effective for reducing depression, offering the support and help you need to battle depression.
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Professional Guidance
Our services give you access to qualified counselling from seasoned therapists who are experienced in treating depression. At our depression treatment clinic, our team of therapists provides empathetic care and evidence-based therapy to meet the individual needs of each patient. -
Personalized Treatment
We understand that depression affects individuals differently, which is why our depression treatment services prioritize personalized treatment plans. Our therapists take the time to assess each client’s specific needs, tailoring their approach to address unique circumstances. By providing individualized care, we aim to optimize the effectiveness of treatment and support each client’s well-being. -
Accessible Online Therapy
We recognize the importance of accessibility in mental health care. Our depression therapy services extend beyond the confines of traditional in-person sessions by offering convenient and confidential online therapy for depression. This approach allows individuals to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes. -
Improved Coping Skills
Our depression therapy services focus on equipping individuals with coping skills to manage their symptoms and navigate the challenges associated with depression. Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques, clients can learn practical strategies to regulate their emotions, challenge negative thinking patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. -
Better Relationships
Depression can strain relationships and create communication barriers. At Renew Neurotherapy, we address these challenges by helping individuals improve their interpersonal skills and develop healthier relationship patterns. Therapists provide guidance and support in building stronger connections, improving communication, and fostering understanding among family members, friends, and partners. -
Positive Lifestyle Changes
We not only focus on symptom management but also promote positive lifestyle changes. We collaborate with clients to identify the areas of their lives that can be improved, such as sleep patterns, exercise routines, and self-care practices. By incorporating healthy habits and positive routines, individuals can cultivate a more balanced lifestyle that contributes to long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best current treatment for depression often involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and may include medication. Neurofeedback therapy shows promise and can be effective in helping manage depressive symptoms. Depression treatment clinics offer comprehensive services that include therapy, counselling, and medication management to address individual needs.
The idea of a cure rate can differ because depression is a complicated condition. However, many people find that their depression symptoms and quality of life significantly improve with the right care, encouragement, and management.
Depending on each client’s unique needs and circumstances, different numbers of therapy sessions may be necessary. Some people might see significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others might gain more from longer-term therapy.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all therapy for depression, as different approaches might work better for different individuals. Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), are commonly used and have shown effectiveness in treating depression. It is recommended to reach out and consult with a therapist to determine the most suitable therapy for individual needs.
How Can We Help? Contact Us Today
Renew Neurotherapy is a trusted provider of effective services for individuals seeking treatment for depression. With three convenient locations in Ottawa, Pembroke, and North Bay, we are committed to offering accessible support to all of our patients.